Helirotor for aeroplanes



June 24, F. WANDER, JR I 2 HELIIROTOR FOR AEROPLANES' Filed Oct. 12, 1929 III" [Ill/II INVENTOR.

Patented June 24, 1930 PATENT OFFICE FREDERICK WANDER, JR., OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

HELIROTOR FOR AEROI'LANES Application filed October 12, 1929. Serial No. 399,150.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in flying machines.

The invention has for an object the provision of a device of the class mentioned which is of simple durable construction, de-

pendable in use and etficient in action, and

which can be manufactured and sold at a reasonable cost.

The invention proposes a helirotor beneath each of the stationary wings of a fly'ng machine or the like and arranged for rotation so that its axis of rotation is transverse relative to the travel of the machine. The rotation of the helirotor provides air currents beneath the wings aiding in the lifting, and

materially reducing the speed of flying necessary to maintain it in the air. Simple and enduring means for suporting the helirotor and for providing its rotation is also proposed.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accom anying drawings,

and to the appended claims in which the various novel featuresof the invention are more particularly set In the accompanyingldrawing forming a material part of this disclosure Fig. 1 is a perspective View of an aer0- plane constructed according to this inven tion.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary front elevational View of a portion of Fig. 1. v

Fig. 3 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary end elevational View looking in the direction of the arrows 44 of Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is asectional view taken on the line 55 of Fig. 2.

The reference numeral 10 indicates generally an aeroplane having spread stationary wings 11, a propeller 12 and a fuselage 13.

While a. 'monoplane has been illustrated, it should be clear that the invention is not limited to this type and may be applied to biplanes or other types of machines having stationary wings and being propeller driven.

'50 A helirotor 14 of two or more blades and of suitable form and construction is mounted beneath or above each of the wings and extends the full length. Each of the helirotors is arranged to rotate in a plane so that its axis is in a plane at right angles to the axis of the propeller 12. In other words, the helirotor is arranged transversely to the direction of travel of the machine. A means is provided for rotativel supporting each of the helirotors and 0t or means is provided for producing the necessary rotation.

The means for supporting each of the helirotors consists of trunnions 15 projecting from the ends of the helirotor and constituting its axis, and rotatively mounted in beare5 ings 16. These bearings are threadedly engaged upon a screw 17 rotatively mounted in. lugs 18 depending from the wing. The screw 17 is provided with an enlarged head 19 rotatively engaged in one of the lugs and constituting the rotative mounting. A nut 20 threadedly engages on the other end of the screw and is abutable against one of the lugs for locking the screw against rotation.

The helirotor may be allowed to rotate freely or a driving means may be provided for rotating same.

It may also be used on speed boats, kites and on other devices where speed and suspension in the air is desired. r

A means for rotating each of the helirotors consists of a gear 21 fixed upon one end of the trunnions '15 and connecting with a chain 22 extended over a driver wheel 23 mounted upon the fuselage 13 and connected 5 with the motor or motors of the machine. An idler' sprocket wheel 24 engages against one side of the chain 22 and is supported by a plunger 25 slidably mounted ina casing 26 secured upon the fuselage 13 and urged '90 outwards by a spring 27. v.

In operation of the device the helirotors are rotated for providing air currents beneath the wings aiding in maintaining,and lifting the machine thru the air. The heli- 9'5 rotors are rotated by motion transmitted from the driver gears 23 by the medium of the chains 22. The position of the helirotor relative to the front and rear edge of the wing may be adjusted by loosening the nuts 20 and then rotating the screws 17 for advancing the bearing 16 ,in one direction or the other. Such adjustments permit the obtaining. of the most efiicient position of the helirotor relative to the wing. As the helirotor is shifted, the connecting chains 22 may force the plungers 25 inwards or allow their further extension for taking up any slack in the chains so that a positive driving 1o arrangement is insured.

While I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise construction herein disclosed 1 and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is 1. A device of the class described, comprising two pairs of spaced lugs for connection with an aeroplane wing or the like and the front and rear lugs constituting each pair disposed in a line longitudinal with the travel of said wing, a screw rotatively mounted on each front and rear lug, a journal threadedly engaged on each screw,

a helirotor rotatively mounted between said journals with its axis of rotation transverse to the travel of said wing, and coacting means on said screws and lugs for holding said screws against turning and the helirotor in adjusted positions relative to the wing.

2. A device of the class described, comprising two pairs of spaced lugs for connection with an aeroplane wing or the like and the front and rear lugs constituting each pair disposed in a line longitudinal with the travel of said wing, a screw rotatively mounted on each front and rear lug, a journal threadedly engaged on each screw,

a helirotor rotatively mounted between said journals with its axis of rotation transverse to the travel of said wing, and coacting means on said screws and lugs for holding said screws against turning and the helirotor in adjusted positions relative to the wing, said means comprising nuts threadedly engaging on said screws and abutting against said lugs. y

In testimony whereof I have ai'fixed my 3 signature.

FREDERICK WANDER, JR. 

